Mark Segal: Stonewall Lasted 365 Days

Mark Segal: Stonewall Lasted 365 Days

Author: Jeffrey Masters June 18, 2024 Duration: 28:15

Mark Segal moved to New York City in May of 1969 and a month later found himself at The Stonewall Inn as the now-infamous police raid began.

"The police came in, pretended that they were doing their duty, got their pay off," he says. "The difference here was they barged in, they threw people up against the wall, they extorted money from some of the older people, they harassed the drag queens. It was pretty violent."

Stonewall sparked Mark Segal's lifelong commitment to activism, which memorably included interrupting Walter Cronkite in the middle of CBS Evening News by yelling and waving a banner that read, "Gays Protest CBS Prejudice".

He joins us on the podcast to look back on the last 50 years of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement and shares the secret ingredient that underlies all of his activism: a sense of humor. 

Click here to listen to our interview with Gay Liberation Front co-founder, Martha Shelley.

LGBTQ&A is an independent, listener-supported podcast. Please consider joining our ⁠Substack⁠ as a paid Subscriber to help support our work.

LGBTQ&A features interviews with the most interesting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the world. Hosted and produced by Jeffrey Masters. ⁠@jeffmasters1

[The was originally recorded in November 2020]


Each week, LGBTQ&A presents a conversation that feels more like a deep, personal discussion than a formal interview. Host Jeffrey Masters guides these talks, creating a space where guests can share not just their achievements, but the real stories and experiences that shaped them. You’ll hear from a wide spectrum of voices within the community, from celebrated artists and politicians to groundbreaking activists and thinkers, all of whom offer unique perspectives on identity, culture, and the ongoing fight for equality. The roster speaks for itself, featuring illuminating talks with figures like Laverne Cox on visibility, Janelle Monáe on artistry and autonomy, Pete Buttigieg on public service, and the powerful insights of Angela Davis. What sets this podcast apart is its commitment to the nuanced, human narrative behind each public persona. It’s not about quick soundbites; it’s about understanding the journeys, the challenges, and the joys that define contemporary LGBTQ+ life. Tuning in means connecting with intimate, often surprising stories that you won’t find anywhere else, all framed by Jeffrey’s thoughtful and engaged questioning. This is a weekly invitation to listen, learn, and feel a deeper connection to the vibrant and diverse community it represents.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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